The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials 2016
By SARAH BACON
The Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is one of the top attractions on our guide to The Season, which determines the main events to attend during the British Summer Social Season. This year the Badminton Estate is bathed in glorious sunshine and yesterday the media lunch took place in the Mitsubishi Motors marquee.
The marquee is positioned in a prime location and the beautiful weather made Badminton House look even more resplendent than usual. The drinks terrace overlooks the water fence and this has always been considered one of the most challenging parts of the cross country phase of the competition, which takes place tomorrow.
The Shopping Village at Badminton Horse Trials
A delicious buffet was served to invited guests, who sipped Provence rosé while hearing from the chief organisers and cross-country course designer. Apparently the sun has already ensured that the event has attracted record numbers and advance bookings for the weekend have peaked.
So, if you want to attend, we recommend organising your tickets sooner rather than later!
The Flying Fox boutique has plenty of stunning country decor pieces
An exciting competition is promised with the possibility of Germany’s Michael Jung achieving the prestigious Rolex Grand Slam, which involves winning a series of the best events. It is an unusual and extremely difficult achievement but he has started on the right foot by performing a dressage test that sees him currently sitting at the top of the leader board.
Away from the horses, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials is an event that offers a number of excellent attractions. The shopping village is heaven for those searching for equine accessories, country fashion or rural inspired décor.
Stylish hats on show at Badminton Horse Trials
Readers of The Sloaney will love The Flying Fox. The pop up shop at Badminton showcases rare antique furniture and stunning home accessories. Among the best favourite pieces is a striking antler chandelier. In fact, antler creations are a key theme of the collection and bespoke fenders are also available.
Accessories in the Rural Crafts area
The Rural Crafts part of the shopping village is packed with stalls selling fur gillets and jewelry. In fact, many of the accessories on display this year have a strong boho vibe.
Recycled wine storage products
The food area is opposite and delicious samples prove very tempting. If you have a sweet tooth then varieties of fudge and meringue are well worth trying.
There are also lots of fun items for your home on show at various shops, including country sports inspired loo seats!
A country sports loo seat
You could spend hours browsing the shopping village but I would thoroughly recommend also taking a walk around the cross country course. This will allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Duke of Beaufort’s home. You can bring you dog too, as long as it is kept on a lead.
The food tent and delicious sweet treats
There is plenty to do for children. Apart from admiring some of the world’s best competition horses, they can play in the amusement park or find the 14 painted horses that have been displayed at various locations around the event – more to come on that later!
Equestrian accessories by Kate Negus
Find out more about Badminton Horse Trials on the website and plan the rest of your British Summer Social Season by reading The Sloaney’s popular guide to The Season. Browse our style guide for inspiration about what to wear to Badminton Horse Trials.
